There seems to be a peculiar bug in the Play Store app that causes it to freeze when you try to install apps with a large number of in-app purchases. Perhaps you would prefer to take this as a sign from the sages at Google that in-app purchases are a bad thing. However, there are plenty of valid reasons to have them. It takes a lot of IAPs to trigger this, but we've confirmed it happens on multiple devices.

The app tested above has over 1000 IAPs (for magazine subscriptions), so this clearly isn't affecting a lot of apps. The Install button simply doesn't work, then after a few presses the whole app freezes. Eventually it catches up, but the install button still doesn't work. The permission screen will sometimes come up, but the store will freeze again at that point.

Affected apps can still be installed and used from the web-based Play Store, indicating this is a bug with the Android storefront. Google is reportedly looking into the issue, but no progress has been made yet.

Ryan is a tech/science writer, skeptic, lover of all things electronic, and Android fan. In his spare time he reads golden-age sci-fi and sleeps, but rarely at the same time. His wife tolerates him as few would.
He's the author of a sci-fi novel called The Crooked City, which is available on Amazon and Google Play.

and you obviously didn't read my question as being sarcastic...good god people

QwietStorm

If you were being sarcastic, the "joke" doesn't even make sense.

HopelesslyFaithful

just like ron amado's response doesn't make sense...right

QwietStorm

I didn't say anything about anyone else's comment, nor does it have anything to do with mine.

Krzysztof Jozwik

you forgot the /s or the funny part of the sarcasm.

MindFever

Hahah...

MindFever

I think you're trying to save face

David Marion

I'm just waiting for the day when a Gameloft game reaches that limit.

MindFever

GOD yes!! Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They deserve PUNISHMENT!

melhiore

When I'm getting to the point where app ask me to buy anything extra I'm just removing this shit from my device, simple and working well... Still do not understand the idea behind IAP...

taz89

Don't even talk about gameloft, those guys are literally trying to rob you. Take asphalt 8, you have to buy the game and then to have any chance of actually beating the game you need to use iap. The iap prices are just ridiculous ie if you want to get the super car pack which includes ten cars I think it costs £70, that is just pure rip off because you wouldnt be able to even charge that if it was the full game and was available on consoles. The new Forza or gran turismo will cost £40-50 and will have hundreds of cars available but game loft think £70 for some cars is ok.. I've given up buying any gameloft games as they really are taking the piss with iap and there ridiculous pricing.

dude

They also make their employees work 120hrs week. And they disable older games from devices compatibilities to force you to buy their newer version. Lastly their games sucks and are just knock offs.

http://www.androidpolice.com/author/ron-amadeo/ Ron Amadeo

It's not a bug, it's an intervention.

BrianLipp

its google going "woah woah woah, you bought a LOT of stuff. We're just gonna shut this down for a while. Its for your own good. Dont worry, it'll come back. When you're ready."

Leonardo Farage Freitas

I think the bug is related to the number of in-app purchase the app has, and not how many in-app purchases you have to restore.

MindFever

Say it in New Jersey accent

kalle629

as Jerry implied I didn't know that any one able to get paid
$7483 in 4 weeks on the internet. Resources w­w­w.J­A­M­20.ℂ­o­m

chicken dance

people say, patience is virtue.

Gordon Lutz

Good enough reason to ban them then, lol.

http://planetmew.com/blog/ Christopher Glass

Probably should make the distinction that if an app has over 1,000 DIFFERENT types of In-app-purchases it locks up on installation, as opposed to spending money on 1,000 In-app-purchases.

Pedro4Prez

I get this 403 error but its a non- in app purchase app (Foldersync)

Sam Lee

I too have been encountering this 403 error more often now. Restarting the phone (Note 2) seems to solve the problem.

MICHAEL CARACAPPA JR

I actually just bought one of those budget tablets for my neice and after a number of app purchases that I made through the google play app (about 6ish) it forced me to wait about a half an hour to continue buying apps for her. I definitely get the logic behind it, impulse buying and what-not, but its was a bit annoying.

Mayoo

I feel bad for Gameloft

dude

They make tons of money ripping off customers and treating their employees like crap, they don't need to be felt bad for.